Positioning apparatus



Patented Mar. 14, 1950 POSITIONING APPARATUS Edward P. Bullard, HI, Fairfield, Conn., assignor to The Bullard Company, a corporation of Connecticut Application March 24, 1947, Serial No. 736,701

(c1. u-cas) 21 Claims. 1

This invention relates to apparatusfor automatically positioning a member along a path of travel.

It deals with subject matter similar to that shown, described and claimed in applications Serial Numbers 736,702 and 736,703., filed March 24, 1947, in the name of Edward P. Bullard, III, and application Serial Number 236,704, filed March 24, in the names of Edward P. Bullard, III, et a1.

The primary object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus which can effect the movement of a member along a path to any one at a time of more than two locations, and always such that the movement is initially in the correct direction toward the selected location regardless of the previous location of the member along the path.

Other objects include, the provision of such an apparatus in which the movement of the member for any selected location is always initiated in the correct direction by an always identical, non-selective operation; the provision of such an apparatus in which the member is ultimately moved to the selected location at a relatively slow speed, although it is moved at a relatively rapid speed to an intermediate location which always bears a definite relation to the finally-selected location; the provision of such an apparatus wherein the member may be moved to more than two locations along its path of travel by a power transmission that is so controlled that upon a selection of a desired location being made and an operation initiated by a non-selective act, a further selection is automatically effected so that the member initially moves in the correct direction toward the selected location regardless of the previous location of the member along the path; and the provision of an apparatus including a member movable in two directions along a path of travel such that it can be positioned at any pre-determine'd location therealong and embodying a control which when rendered effective by a non-selective act automatically selects and initiates the correct direction of movement of the member toward the predetermined location.

\ Still other objects include, the provision of such an apparatus wherein the functions of movement of the movable member are initiated by the step-by-step indexing of a drum which contains dogs for positively actuating fluid-control-valves; the provision of such an apparatus wherein the function drum is indexed from stationto station by the cooperative action of a rotary fluid motor and an escapement mechanism;

and the provision of such an apparatus wherein a detector for determining the final, selected 10- cations of the movable member involves the use of adjustable actuators requiring a support of only slightly greater length than the path of travel of the movable member. I

The above, as well as other objects and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following specification and accompanying drawing in which:

Figure 1 represents a schematic diagram of apparatus to which the principles of the invention have been applied; and

Figure 2 is a detail of construction showing the solenoid-operated escapement mechanism for effecting indexing of the function drum.

The principles of the invention are applicable to any apparatus wherein it is desired to locate amember at any one at a time of more than two locations along a path of motion. They will be described as applied to controlling the rotation of two shafts each of which may move separate members along separate paths in different planes such as is the case in a. horizontal boring mill; or to move one member along intersecting paths such as is the case in universally moving a member within a single plane.

Referring to the drawing, the shafts IO, N

are adapted to be rotated in either direction by a transmission including a drive shaft I2 that receives its power from any type of prime mover (not shown), such as an electric motor, fluidoperated rotary motor, steam turbine and the like. The shaft I2 is provided with a pinion [3 that meshes with a feed gear l4. journaled on a shaft I5 and is provided with a clutch face It that is adapted to cooperate with a mating clutch IT. The clutch I1 is splined to shaft l5, and is provided with a groove l8 in which a clutch-shifting finger ['9 is adapted to ride. Finger I9 is rigidly attached to a piston rod 20 on which a piston 2| is fixed for reciprocation within a cylinde 22.

Rod 20 is provided'with a portion 23 of reduced diameter, and a nut 24 is screwed to the end opposite that to which finger I9 is attached. Two discs 25,. are slidably mounted on portion 23 within a cylinder 21, the ends of which include annular abutments 28, 29 against which discs 25,

26 are adapted to seat when forced apart by fluid under pressure constantly supplied therebetween through a port 30. From the figure, it is, apparent that piston 2| has a greater efi'ective area than discs 25, 26 and, therefore, admission of fiuid to the cylinder 22 on the right hand side of piston Gear I4 is 2| causes clutch H to engage clutch face i6 thereby causing shaft to be rotated at a relatively slow speed. Release of this fluid under pressure instantly permits discs 25 and 26 to separate disengaging clutch H from gear l4.

Pinion l3 also meshes with another feed gear 3|, journaled on a shaft 32 on which a clutch 33 is splined. The clutch 33 is caused to engage and disengage a mating clutch face 34 on gear 3| by the action ofa piston 35 within a cylinder 36, and a neutralizing device 31, all in the manner as-clutch I1 is operated by piston 2| and the discs 25, 26 in cylinder 21. v

The shaft |2 also supports for rotation with it a gear 38 of substantially larger diameter than pinion I3. Gear 38 meshes with a pair of gears 39, 49 that are, respectively. journaled on the shafts i5 and 32. Additionally, gear 38 meshes with a gear 4| that is journaled On a shaft, the longitudinal axis of which lies in the same horisupply fluid, preferably oil under pressure to the various cylinders and includes a source of oil 56 that supplies a pump 51 which delivers the oil under pressure through a line 58. Branches 59,

' 68, 6| and 62 constantly supply each of the piston zontal plane as that for shaft l2. Gear 4| ex-- tends beyond gear 38 and meshes with a pair of gears 42, 43 also journaled on shafts l5 and 32, respectively. Gears 39, 42 and 49, 43 possess clutch faces 44, 45, 46 and. Double faced clutches 48 and 49 are, respectively, splined to shafts I5 and 32, and are engaged with and dis-engaged from their corresponding clutch faces on gears 39, 42, 48 and 43 by fluid operated piston devices 59 and 5| and neutralizing devices 52 and 53 in the same manner as piston 2| and discs 25, 26 engage and disengage clutch H with clutch face l6.

From the foregoing it is evident that shaft I5 is rotated at a relatively slow and a relatively rapid rate in one direction by engaging clutch ll with face l6, and clutch 48 with face 44, respectively. Also that shaft 32 is rotated 'at a relatively slow and a relatively rapid rate in one direction, respectively, by engaging face 34 with clutch 33, and clutch 49 with face 46. Furthermore, it is evident that shaft I5 is rotated in a reverse direction by engaging clutch 48 with face and shaft 32 is rotated in a reverse direction by engaging clutch 49 with face 41. Shaft l5 is provided with a socket 54 adapted to mesh with the square end of shaft in; and shaft 32 includes a socket 55 that engages the square end of shaft II.

For convenience in describing the principles of the invention, it is assumed that shafts l0 and H are in a standard horizontal boring mill; that upward movement of the spindle or a primary means along the vertical standard of the boring 1 mill at a relatively slow or feed rate of speed; rotation of shaft III by gear 39 provides verticallyupward movement of said spindle at a relatively rapid or traverse rate; and rotation of shaft III by gear 42 provides vertically-downward movement of said spindle at a relatively rapid or traverse rate. Additionally, the operation of shaft I by gear- 3| efiects rightward movement of the worksupport or another primary means of the boring mill, at a relatively slow or feed rate, as

I viewed from the end opposite the vertical standrotation of shaft III by gear l4 effects verticallyneutralizing devices at all times while the pump 51 is operating. Abranch 63 delivers oil under pressure to a valve manifold including two parts '64, 64 through solenoid-operated valves 641 and 64:, to be described later. Six identical valves 65, 66, 61, 68, 68 and 16 are provided in parts 64, 64'. These valves include differential piston constructions such that normally they are maintained in an elevated condition which exhausts lines H, l2, l3, I4, 15 and 16 to the atmosphere. Line H is adapted to supply oil under pressure to cylinder 22 on the right side of piston 2|-the right and left hand ends of the piston device 5|.

Valves 65 to 18 are adapted to be moved to their lower, or active-positions by dogs 11 on a function drum 78 adapted to be indexed in a step-bystep fashion about a horizontally-disposed axis. The drum 18 need be indexed to only four stations and always in a sequential order. In the drawing, for convenience, the four stations are all'shown in solid, or in a manner showing the drum 18 in developed form. Since it is diificult to provide a mechanical indexing mechanism that will produce 90 rotation of drum 18 for each index, a fluid rotary motor is employed that continuously tends to rotate the drum 18 about its horizontal, longitudinal axis but which is prevented from so doing by the cooperative action between a ratchet I9 and a pawl 80 (Fig. 2) forming an escapement mechanism.

Referring to Fig. 2, the ratchet 19 is provided with four equally-spaced notches or teeth, each adapted to cooperate with a finger 8| of the pawl 80. Pawl 80 is pivotally mounted on a shaft 82, and it includes a slot 83 therein adapted to receive a pin 84 fixed to a vertically reciprocable shaft 85. Shaft 85, normally is urged downwardly by a spring 86 surrounding it and compressed within a chamber 81 formed in a sleeve 88 mounted within the frame 89 supporting the escapement mechanism.

The shaft is pinned to the core 99 of a solenoid 9|. Energization of solenoid 9| raises shaft 85, lifting pawl 80 so that ratchet 19 turns clockwise to effect cooperation between the next succeeding notch of the ratchet 19 and finger 8| of pawl 80. Accordingly, shaft 85 must descend rapidly under the influence of spring 86, and upon de-energization of the solenoid 9| in order for finger 8| to engage the next succeeding notch of ratchet 19. A finger 92 is provided on pawl 89 which will engage the next succeeding notch of ratchet 19 should the pawl 89', for any reason, not

'return immediately after releasing ratchet 19.

at diflerent locations along its respective path of travel by identical mechanism, only one will be referred to in the following description. Two conditions can exist, either the primary means is on one or the other side of any selected location along its path of travel. 'So that no constructional inaccuracies will occur in positioning the primary means, it is necessary ultimately to move it always in the same direction at a relatively slow feed rate from an intermediate location to the selected location. This intermediate location always bears a fixed relation to the selected location and is at a relatively small distance therefrom; So that as little time as possible will be consumed in positioning the primary means, it is moved at a relatively rapid traverse rate to the intermediate location. In the present embodiment of the invention, a condition arises, when the primary means is initially on the same side of the selected location as the intermediate location, requiring the interposition of a secondary traverse movement of the primary means. This secondary traverse movement serves to move the primary means from the side of the selected location opposite that from the intermediate location to the proper side of the selected location prior to being moved at a relatively. slow speed to the selected location. This secondary traversemovement may be eliminated, such for example in the manner shown, described and claimed in application Serial Number 736,702, filed March 24, 1947, in the name of Edward P. Bullard, HI.

A detector or secondary means D comprises a unit 93 for each location within a given job to which the primary means is desired to be positioned. There may be as many units 93 as desired although twenty to thirty usually suffice for most jobs performed on such apparatus as horizontal boring mills. The units 93 in the present embodiment, include a reciprocable, manuallyadjustable rod 94 that can conveniently be located so that an electrical switch-actuating surface 95 thereof can be locked in any predeter mined accurate position.

The unit 93 also includes a locking switch 96 and a self-returning switch 91. Switch 96 is termed a locking switch because it is either open or closed and remains in either position until positively moved by an" external force to the other position. Switch 91 is termed a 'seli-returning switch because it normally remains open and will re-open when the force is removed that holds it closed.

Switches 96 and 91 are rigidly mounted in spaced relation on an arm 98 that is attached to, and movable with the primary means. Arm 98, therefore, represents the location of the primary means at any instant along its path of travel. Switch 96 cooperates with surfaces 95 and 95a formed on the end of rod 94, while switch 91 cooperates with a cam 99 formed on the side of rod 94. Accordingly, switches 96, 91 are laterally spaced slightly from each other. The type of switch 91 is the same as that shown, described and claimed in application Serial Number 586,- 799 filed on April 5, 1945, in the name of Edward P. Bullard, III, to which application reference is made for .specific details. As described in the above-referred-to application, each switch is extremely thin so that a great many may be mounted on the support 99 within a, relatively small space.- The switch 99 includes a relatively thin body pivotally mounted and possessing trip fingers 96a and 96b. The finger 96a is adaptedto engagesurface 95, while finger 96b is adapted to cooperate with surface 95a. The switch-96 is the same as that shown, described and claimed in application Serial Number 736,792, filed March 24,

1947. in the name of Edward P. Bullard, III. The

ally-adjustable rods 94 and their cooperating switches 96, 91 consume relatively little space.

The cam 99 is spaced from surface 95 an amount that bears a fixed relation at all times to the surface 95. With arm 96 in a position such that switch 91 is to the right of cam 99, leftward movement of the primary means will cause the end I99 thereof to trip switch 91 and when this occurs switch 96 must be open and lie a relatively short distance to the left of the surface 95 of rod 94, and in the neighborhood of .030 inch. This location is termed, for convenience, an intermedlate point or location from which the primary means must always be fed rightwardly until switch 96 is closed by surface engaging finger 96a, thereby stopping the primary means at the final, selected location along its path of travel. From the foregoing it is evident that adjustment of rod 94 not only accurately establishes the location of the final, selected location at which the primary means is to stop (surface 95), but also an intermediate location therefor (end I99 of cam 99). Furthermore, it is evident that there is a fixed relation between the end I99 and the surface 95. I

The use of the expression secondary means" in the claims is intended to cover not only one or more adjustable rods 94 and their cooperating pair or pairs of switches 96, 91, but all reasonable equivalents thereof, whether electro-mechanical, electro-hydraulic, hydraulic, mechanical or electronic.

Since the specific invention contemplates a relatively large number of units 93, including a rod 94 and a pair of switches 96, 91, it also contemplates a selector or tertiary means S for selecting at the will of the operator any of the detector units one at a time. This selector, in the embodiment shown is in the form of an electrical distributor and comprises a pair of current-carrying rings I9I, I92 which cooperate with brushes that are attached to a rotatable bar I93 containing a pair of wiping contacts I95, I96. The contacts I95, I96 are adapted to make wiping contact with a pair of contacts for each detector unit 93, which pairs of contacts are arranged annularly about the current-carrying rings I9I, I92. It is entirely within the principles of the invention to operate the selector by any mechanism as well as manually whether or not such operation is caused in a definite sequential order. Such devices may be hydraulic, electric or otherwise and they are all within the meaning of the expression tertiary means for selecting asused in the claims.

When a selection of one of the detector units 99 is made, by moving bar I93 manually, in the thepresent embodiment is a control circuit C.. vThis'circuit can best be understood by describing its operation, first with the primary means to the right of the final, selected location as defined by surface '95 and thereafter with the primary means to the left of the selected location as defined by surface 95'.

A motor. I01, adapted to drive pump 51, is connected across power lines L1, Lo and La, with switches I08, I09 and H normally open for trolling their energization. The circuit for relays H5, H6 also includes a primary H9 of a" transformer I20. I

Closing main switch |2| energizes the primary I I9. Closing switch II lenergizes relay H5 closing switches I08, I09, H0 thereby causing motor rapidly under the influence of spring 86 so that the finger 8| of pawl 80 engages the next succeeding notch on the ratchet 19.

Closing CR2 switch I34 energizes solenoid 64a permitting oil under pressure to flow from line 63 only to the manifold part 64' including valves I01 to rotate, operating pump 51. Closing switch 1 H8, however, does not energize relay H6 since there is a normally open CR5 switch 'I2I in its circuit. Energizing the primary H9 induces a current in a secondary I22, which in turn induces a current in another secondary I23 that is connected to a rectifier I24' for supplying lowvoltage direct current to part of the control circuit C. Shortly after switch H1 is closed, pump 51 builds up suficient pressure in the hydraulic system to cause pressure switch I25 to close,

thereby energizing CR5 relay I26, which effects closing of CR5 switch I2I thereby energizing relay H6. Energizing relay H6 closes switches I I2, H3 and H4 starting motor III, and the rotation of shaft I2.

With the selector handle I03 in position so that detector unit 93 is efiective, closing starting but- 1 ton I21 causes current to flow from ground through switch I21, a CR4 control relay I28, a

normally closed switch I49, switch I25, rectifier I24 to ground, energizing CR4 control relay I28. Energizing CR4 control relay I28, closes CR4 switch I29 for holding the former energized upon release of the starting button I21. It also closes 1 CR4 switch I29, whereuponCRa control relay I30 is energized, closing CR2 switches I3I, I32,

I33 and I34; and opening CR2 switch I3 I Opening CR2 switch I3 If prevents CR1 relay I30 being 1 energized. Closing CR2 switch |3I causes current to flow from a ground I40 through CR2 switch I3I; switch I34 (closed by a dog 11 on the function drum 18the only dog at station 0 of the 'drum);a1ine I35; switch I38; solenoid 9|; a line I36; switch I25; rectifier I24 to ground, energiz- (Fi-g. 2). Raising shaft 85 raises pawl 80 releas- This, however, opens switch I34 To comnothing happens since no oil is supplied to manifold portion 64. Valve 10 is depressed and would cause oil to flow from the manifold portion 64' through line 16, except for the fact that detector switch 96 is closed. Since switch 96 is closed current flows from ground through it, a line I45, ring I02, a line I46, CR2 switch I32, switch I42, line I35, switch I38, solenoid 9|, line I36, switch I25, rectifier I24 to ground, energizing solenoid 9| andindexing drum 18 to station 2. From the foregoing, it is evident that when switch 96 is closed, drum 18 will double index from station 8 to station 2 without functioning at station I.

Station 2 includes dogs 11 in line with valves 61, 69; and in line with switches I41, I43 and I44. Depressing valve 61 causes nothing to happen since only solenoid valve 642 is energized. Depressing valve 69 causes oil to flow from manifold portion 64' through line 15 to the right side of the p.ston in device 5|, forcing clutch 49 into ening solenoid 9|, and accordingly, raising shaft a ing ratchet 19, thereby causing drum 18 to index to station I. [rendering the ground I4'0 ineffective. 1 pensate for this, shaft 85 as it begins to rise closes switch I31 so that a complete index is effected.

Near'the upper end of the travel of shaft 85, I

switch I38 is opened by it, thereby tie-energizing solenoid an and permitting shaft as to descend gagement with clutch 41, thereby rotating shaft I I in a direction to effect leftward movement of the primary means at a rapid rate until switch 91 is closed by engagement with the end I00 of cam 99. Closing switch 91 establishes a circuit from ground through switch 91, a line I48, ring ItI, CR2 switch I33, switch I41, line I35, switch I38, solenoid 9|, line I36, switch I25, rectifier I24 to ground, energizing solenoid 9| and indexing drum 18 to station 3. Immediately line 15 is exhausted to the atmosphere and neutralizing mechanism 53 disengages clutch 49 from clutch 41 causing the primary means to stop at the intermediate location and such that switch 96 has been opened by finger 96b thereof engaging surface 95a. With the primary means at the intermediate location, the finger 96a is spaced about .030 inch from surface 95.

Station 3 includes dogs 11 in line with valves 65, 68; and in line with switches I42, I43, I44 and I49. Opening switch I49 de-energizes CR4 relay I28 which opens CR4 switch I29. However CR2 relay I30 does not de-energize because switdh I44 is held closed at station 3 by a dog 11 on drum 18. Otherwise CR2 switches I32 and. I33 would open and render the detector D ineffective.

Depressing valve 65 again has no result. Depressing valve 68 causes liquid to flow from manifold portion 64' through line 14 to the right side of piston 35, moving clutch 33 into engagement with clutch 34 causing shaft I I to rotate relatively slowly in a direction to effect relatively slow rightward movement of the primary means until switch 96 is closed by its finger 96a engaging surface 95. Closing switch 96 establishes a circuit from ground through it, line I45, ring I02, line 46, CR2 switch I32, switch I42, line I35, switch I38, solenoid 9|, line I36, switch I25, rectifier I24 to ground. This causes energization of solenoid 9| and indexing of drum 18 to its 0 position. Immediately valve 68 exhausts line 14 to the atmosphere and neutralizing mechanism 31 separates clutches 33 and 34, thereby stopping the primary means at the final selected location. When drum 18 arrives at stati'on0, switch I44 opens de,-energizing CRzrelay I30 opening CR1 switches I3|.

I32, I33, I34; and closing CR: switch I3I'. This places the apparatus in the condition in which it was prior to pushing starting button I21.

Moving handle I03 of the selector S to theposition rendering eflective the detector unit 93, and pressing the star-t button I21, energizes CR4 relay I28, thereby closing CR1 switches I29. Closing CR1 switch I29 holds CR4 relay I28 after button I21 is released. Closing CR4 switch I29 energizes CR1 relay I30 which closes CR2 switches I3I, I32, I33, I34 and opens CR1 switch |3|. Opening CR1 switch I3I prevents CR1 relay I30 from being energized. Closing CR: switch I34 energizes solenoid 64: supplying liquid under pressure to manifold portion 64'. Closing CR2 switch I3I establishes a circuit from ground I40 through CR3 switch I3I, switch I34 (closed by dog 11 on drum 18), line I35, switch I38, solenoid 9|, line I36, switch I25, rectifier I24 to ground, energizing solenoid 9| and indexing drum 18 from station to station I.

Station I includes dogs 11 in line with valves 36, 10; and in line with switches I42, I43 and I44. Since detector unit 93 is set so that switch 96 is open, the drum 18 does not immediately index to station 2. Depressing valve 66 causes nothing to happen since there is no oil in the manifold portion 64. Depressing valve 10 causes oil under pressure to' fiow through line 16 to the left-hand side of the piston in device moving clutch 49 into engagement with clutch 46 and thereby causing gear 40 to rotate shaft I I at a rapid rate in a direction to cause rightward relatively rapid motion of the primary means until switch 96 closes by its finger 96a engaging surface 95'.- Closing switch 96 establishes a circuit from ground through it, a line I50, ring I02, line I46, CR: switch I32, switch I42, line I35, switch I38, solenoid 9|, line I36, switch I25, rectifier I24 to ground, energizing solenoid 9| and indexing drum .18 to station 2. Immediately, line 16 is exhausted and neutralizing mechanism 53 disengages clutches 49 and 46 stopping the primary means on the side of the final, selected location opposite that of the intermediate location.

The dogs at station 2 depress valves 61 and 69, but only valve 69 is effective, as previously explained. Switches I41, I43 and I 44 are closed while switch I42 opens. Depressing valve 69 causes liquid under pressure to flow through line 15 to the right sideof the piston of device 5|, moving clutch 49 into engagement with clutch 41, whereupon gear 43 rotates shaft II at a fast rate and in a direction to move the primary means leftwardly at a relatively fast rate until switch 91 closes by contacting cam 99'. Closing switch 91- estabiishes a circuit from ground through it, a line I5I, ring -|0I, CR2 switch I33, switch I41,

line I35, switch I38, solenoid 9|, line I36, switch I25, rectifier I24 to ground, energizing solenoid 9| and indexing drum 18 to station 3. Immediately the transmission is neutralized by device 53 46 causes oil under pressure to pass through line 14 to the right side of piston 35, causing clutch 33- to engage clutch 34, whereupon gear 3| rotates shaft II at a slow speed and in a direction to move the primary means rightwardly at a slow speed until switch 98 is closed by its finger 98a contacting surface 95'. Closing switch 93 establishes a circuit from ground through it, line I50, ring I82, line I48, CR2 switch I32, switch I42, line I35, switch I38, solenoid 9|. line I30, switch I25, rectifier I24 to ground, energizing solenoid 9| and indexing drum 18 to station 0. When the drum indexes to station 0, the dog 11 permits valve 68 to rise, exhausting line 14 which permits neutralizing mechanism 31 to disengage clutch 33 from 34, whereupon the primary means comes to rest at the final, selected location.v

When drum 18 arrives at station 0, switch I44 opens de-energizing CR2 relay |,30,'causing CR: switches |3|, I32, I33 and I34 to open and CR: switch I3I' to close placingthe apparatus in the condition it was in prior to pushing button I21.

There is an identical selector S and detector D for controllingthe rotation of shaft I0. The shaft l0, as previously explained may be employed to move a primary means vertically as is the case in moving the spindle in a horizontal boring mill. The detector D includes a plurality of units I52, I52 identical with units 93, 93'. The units I52, I52 include "self-locking" switches I53, I53, as well as self-returning" switches I54, I54. They also include rods I55,

I55 having cams I56, I56-and surfaces I51, I51.

With the handle of selector S in position to render effective the unit I52, pushing starting switch I58 energizes CR: relay I59 closing CR1 switches I58 and I60. Closing CR: switch I58 holds CR1 relay I59 energized after release of the starting button I58. Closing CR: switch I60 energizes CR1 relay I30 thereby opening CR1 switch I6I, preventing energization of CR: relay I30, and closing CR1 switches I4|, I62, I63 and and the primary means comes to rest at the in- I64. Closing CR1 switch I64 energizes solenoid 9| indexing drum 18 to station I. ,However, since switch I 53 is closed, solenoid 9| is re-energized immediately indexing drum 18 to station 2. At station 2, valves 61 and. 69 are depressed, but since only 011 valve 641 is now energized (CR: switch I34 is open and CR1 switch I is closed), valve 61 is the only one effective causing gear 42 to rotate shaft I0 rapidly and thereby moving the primary means downwardly at a fast traverse rate until switch I54 closes thereby energizing solenoid 9|. This indexes drum 18 to station 3 and stops the primary means at the intermediate location such that switch I53 is open and about .030 inch below surface I51. At station 3, valve 65 is depressed causing gear I4 to move the pri-' mary means'slowly upwardly until switch I53 closes, whereupon the solenoid 9| is again energized, indexing drum 18 toits 0 station and the apparatus is again in condition to have another selection made.

Moving the handle of selector S to a position rendering efl'ective unit I52, and closing push button I58 again energizes CR3 relay I 59, thereby closing CR3 switches I58 and I60 as before.- CR1 relay I30 thereupon is energized opening CR1 switch I6I and closing CR1 switches I4I, I62, I63 and I64. Closing of CR1 switch I64 energizes solenoid 9| indexing drum 18 to station I wherevalve 66 is depressed causing clutch 48 to engage 44, whereupon gear 39 rotates shaft l8 rapidly effecting upward traverse movement of the primary means until switch I53'- closes.

Closing switch I53 eilfects indexing of drum 18 to station 2 where valve 61 is depressed causing downward traverse of the primary means until sw"ch I54 closes. Closing of switch I54 effects indexing of drum 18 to station 3 where valve 65 is depressed causing gear I4 to move the primary means upwardly slowly until switch I53 again closes, stopping the primary means at the final, selected location and re-conditions the apparatus, as above-explained, for another selection.

Although the various features of the new and improved positioning apparatus have been shown and described in detail to fully disclose one embodiment of the invention, it will be evident that numerous changes may be made in such details and certain features may be used without others, without departing from the principles of the invention.

What is claimed is:

-1. Apparatus comprising in combination, a

primary means adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two final locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; a secondary means comprising more than two units each including relatively adjustable elements for determining one of the final locations at which said primary means is to be located; a tertiary means having a position for indicating each unit of the secondary means, and a member adapted to be located in any of said positions to determine the unit of the secondary means desired; a functionselecting means including a plurality of portions adapted to cause said primary means successively to move first in one, then in the other direction; and means for rendering efiective successive of the portions of said function-selecting means.

2. Apparatus comprising in combination, a primary means adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two final locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; a secondary means comprising more than two units each including relatively adjustable elements for determining,

one of the final locations at which said primary means is to be located as well as a corresponding intermediate location, said intermediate 10- cation bearing a fixed relation to its corresponding final location; a tertiary means having position for indicating each unit of the secondary means, and a member adapted to be located in any of said positions to determine the unit of the secondary means desired; a function-selecting means including a plurality of portions adapted to cause said primary means successively to move first in one, then in the other direction at a relatively rapid speed, and finally in the first direction at a relatively slow speed; and

means for rendering efiective successive of the,

portions of said function-selecting means.

3. In a positioning apparatus for a machine tool, a support adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two final locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; a detector com-- prising a unit for each position to which said support is to be located, each unit including circult-making and breaking elements relatively 1 adjustable throughout the entire path of travel of the support; a selector for determining the unit of the detector desired; a function-selecting means including a plurality of portions adapted to cause said support successively to move first in one, then in the other direction;

1 and means for rendering effective successive of 1 the portions of said function-selecting means. 4. In a-positioning apparatus for a machine 1 tool, a support adapted automatically to be posi- Iii) tioned at more than two final locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; a detector comprising to be located, each unit including a circuitmaking and breaking element for determining one of the final locations and another circuitmaking and breaking element for determining an intermediate location that bears a fixed relation to its corresponding final location; an actuating member for each unit adapted to be adjusted relatively to its corresponding circuit-making and breaking elements throughout the extent of the path of travel of the support; a selector for determining the unit of the detector desired; a function-selecting means including a plurality of portions adapted to cause said support successively to 'move first in one, then in the other direction at a relatively rapid speed until said support reaches said intermediate location, and thence in the first direction at a relatively slow speed until said support arrives at said final, selected location; and means for rendering efiective successive of the portions of said functionselecting means.

5. Apparatus comprising in combination, a primary means adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two final locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; a secondary means comprising more than two units each including relatively adjustable elements for determining one of the final locations at which said primary means is to be located; a tertiary means having a position for indicating each unit of the secondary means, and a member adapted to be located in any of said positions to determine the unit of the secondary means desired; a motion-determining member adapted to be indexed from station to station and including means at successive stations for initiating the movement of said primary means first in one, then in the other direction; and means for indexing said motion-determining member from station to station.

6. Apparatus comprising in combination, a primary means adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two final locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; a secondary means comprising more than two units each including relatively adjustable elements for determining one of the final locations at which said primary means is to belocated; a tertiary means having a position for indicating each unit of the secondary means, and a member adapted to be located in any of said positions to determine the unit of the secondary means desired; a fourth means requiring a non-selective act to initiate it and including a drum adapted to be indexed from station to station and having means at successive stations for causing said primary means to move first in one, then in the other direction; and

means rendered efl'ective by said non-selective act for indexing said drum from station to station.

7. Apparatus comprising in combination, a primary means adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two final locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; a secondary means comprising more than two units each including relatively adjustable elements for determining one of the final locations at which said primary means is to be located as well as a corresponding intermediate location, said intermediate location bearing a fixed relation to its corresponding final location; a tertiary means having a position for indicating each unit of the secondary means, and

-"- a member adapted to be located in any of said positions to determine the unit of the secondary means desired; a function-selecting means including a plurality of portions adapted to cause said primary means successively to move first in one, then in the other direction at a relatively rapid speed and finally in the first direction'at a relatively slow speed; and means for rendering eflective successive of the portions of said function-selecting means.

8 Apparatus comprising in combination, a primary means adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; means for moving said primary means to said final locations; a secondary means comprising a unit for each location, each .unit including a locking switch and actuator relatively adjustable throughout the path of travel of said primary means for determining one 01' said locations at which said primary means is to be located; a tertiary means having a position for indicating each unit of said secondary means, and a member adapted to be located in any of said positions to determine the unit of the secondary means desired; a functionselecting means including a plurality of portions adapted to cause said primary means successively to move first in one, then in the other direction; and means for rendering efiective the correct portion of said function-selecting means to initially cause said primary means to move toward the final location determined by the unit of the secondary means selected by the tertiary means.

9. Apparatus comprising in combination, a primary means adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; means for moving said primary means to said final locations; a secondary means comprising a unit for each location, each unit including a locking switch and actuator relatively adjustable throughout the path of travel of said primary means for determining one of said locations at which said primary means is to be located; a tertiary means having a position for indicating each unit of said secondary means, and a member adapted to be located in any of said positions to determine the unit of the secondary means desired; a functionselecting means adapted to be indexed from station to station and including means at succeeding stations for causing said primary means successively to move first in one, then in the other direction; and means requiring a nonselective act to initiate it for indexing said function-selecting means to the correct station for efi'ecting initial movement of said primary means toward said final, selected location.

10. Apparatus comprising in combination, a primary means adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two final locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; a secondary means adapted to be adjusted to determine each final location as well as an intermediate location therefor, each of said intermediate locations bearing a fixed relation to its respective final location; a tertiary means adapted to be operated to select, one at a time, any of the final locations determined by said secondary means; a motion-determining drum adapted to be indexed l4 means for indexing said drum so that one or tab other of the stations ,for effecting said relatively rapid movement of said primary means becomes eflective depending upon the initial position of the primary means relatively to said final,

selected location.

from station to station including means at suc- 11. Apparatus comprising in combination, primary means adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two final locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; secondary means including more thanv two units each comprising on the same side as, and bears a fixed relation to said final location;tertlary means having a position for indicating each unit of the secondary means, and a member adapted to be located in,

any of said positions to determine the unit 01' the secondary means desired; a function drum adapted to be indexed from station to station and including means at a first station for causing said primary means to move at a relatively rapid rate toward and beyond said final, selected location in one direction; means at a second station for causing said primary means to move at a relatively rapid rate toward and beyond said final, selected location in the opposite direction; means at a third station for causing said primary means to move at a relatively slow speed to said final. selected location; and means for indexing said drum to said first station when said primary means initially is on the same side of said final location as said intermediate location, and for double indexing said drum to said second station when said primary means initially is on the op-- posite side of said final, selected location from said intermediate location.

12. Apparatus comprising in combination, a primary means adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two final locations, one-at a time, along a path of travel; a secondary means comprising more than two units, each said primary means is' to be located; a tertiary means having a position for indicating each unit of said secondary means, and a member adapted to be located in any of said positions to determine the unit of the secondary means desired; a function drum adapted to be indexed from station to station and including means at successive stations thereof for causing said primary means to move first in one, then in the other direction; and a relay circuit adapted when rendered effective to cause said drum to be indexed-to one or the other of said successive stations depending upon the location of the primary means when said circuit is rendered effective.

13. Apparatus comprising in combination, a primary means adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two final locations, one-at a time, along a path of travel; secondary means comprising more than two units, each including a switch and switch-actuating means relatively adjustable for determining one of the final locations at which said primary means is to be located, and arranged so that said switch is open or closed depending upon the side of said final location the primary means is initially located;

tertiary means having a position for indicatmg each unit of said secondary means, and a member adapted to be located in any of said positions to determine the unit of the secondary means desired; a function drum adapted to be .15 indexed from station to station and including means at successive stations thereof for causing said primary means to move first in one, then in the other direction; and a relay circuit adapted when rendered effective to cause said drum to be indexed to one of said stations when said switch is open, and to be indexed to the other of said stations when said switch is closed.

14. Apparatus comprising in combination, a primary means adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two finallocations, one at a. time, along a path of travel; secondary means comprising more than two units, eachincluding a switch and switch-actuating means relatively adjustable for determining one of the final lo cations at which said primary means is to be cated, and another switch and switch-actuating means for determining an intermediate location that bears a fixed relation to said final location, the arrangement being such that said final-j location switch is open or closed depending upon the side of said final location said primary means is initially located; tertiary means having a position for indicating each unit of said secondary means, and a member adapted to be located in any of said positions to determine the unit of the secondary means desired; a function-selecting means adapted to be indexed from station to station; a relay circuit adapted when rendered effective to index said function-selecting means to a first station when said final-location switch is open for moving said primary means at a relatively rapid rate in one direction and until said final-location switch is closed; means for indexing said function-selecting means to the next succeeding station when said final-location switch is closedcausing said primary means to move in the opposite direction at a relatively rapid speed until said intermediate location switch is closed; and means for indexing said function-selecting means to the next succeeding station for causing said primary means to move at a relatively slow rate in the first direction and until said final-location switch is again closed.

15. Apparatus comprising in combination,aprimary means adapted automaticall to be positioned at more than two final locations, one at a i time, along a path of travel; secondary means comprising more than two units, each including a switch and switch-actuating means relatively adjustable for determining one of the final locations at which said primary means'is to be located and another switch and switch-actuating means for determining an intermediate location that bears a fixed relation to said final location, the arrangement being such that said final-location switch is open or closed depending upon the side, of said final location said primary means is initially located; tertiary means having a position for indicating each unit of said secondary means, and a member adapted to be located in any of said positions to determine the unit of the secondary means desired; a functionselecting means adapted to be indexed from station to station; a relay circuit adapted when ren-,

dered efiectiv to double index said function-sew lecting means to said second station when said opposite direction at a relatively slow speed until said final-location switch is closed.

16. In a positioning apparatus for a machine tool, a support adapted automatically .to be po-' sitioned at more than two final locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; a detector comprising a unit for each position to which said support is to be located, each unit including circuit-making and breaking elements relatively adjustable throughout the entire path of travel of the support; a selector for determining the unit of the detector desired; a function-selecting means adapted to be indexed from station to station; means at succeeding stations for causing said support to move first in one, then in the other direction; and ,acontrol circuit adapted to be rendered effective by a non-selective act and including means for automatically indexing said function-selecting means to the correct station for initially causing said support to move toward the final, selected location in accordance with the setting of the unit ofthe detector selected by the selector.

17. In a positioning apparatus for a machine tool, a support adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two final locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; a detector comprising a unit for each position to which said support is to be located, each unit including a circuit-making and breaking element for determining one of the final locations and another circuit-making and breaking element for determining an intermediate location that bears a fixed relation to its corresponding final location; an actuating member for each unit adapted to be adjusted relatively to its corresponding circuit-making and breaking elements throughout the extent of the path of travel of the support;

a selector for determining the unit of the deto the final, selected location determined by the setting of the unit of the detector selected by the selector. i

18. In a positioning apparatus for a machine tool, a support adapted automatically to be positioned'at more than two final locations, one

at a'time, along a path of travel; a detector comprising a unit for each position along said path at which said support is to be located, each unit including a switch and switch-actuator adjustable relatively to said switch throughout the extent of the path of travel of said support for determining one of the final locations, and arranged so that said switch is open or closed depending upon the side of said final location the support is initially located; a selector for determining the unit of the detector desired; a function-selecting means adapted to be indexed from station to station; means at a first station to cause said support to move in one direction; means'at the next succeeding station, for causing said support to move in the opposite direction; and a relay circuit whichwhen rendered efiectiv causes said function-selecting means to be indexed to said first station when said switch 17 is open, and double indexed to said second station when said switch is closed.

19. In a positioning apparatus for machine tools, a support adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two final locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; a detector comprising a unit for each position at which said support is adapted to be located, each unit including on switch and switch-actuator for determining one of said final locations, and another switch and switch-actuator for determining an intermediate location that bears a fixed relation to said final location, said switches and switch-actuators being relatively adjustable throughout the extent of the path of travel of said support; a selector for determining the unit of said detector desired; a function-selecting means adapted to be indexed from station to station; means at a first station for causing said support to move at a relativel rapid rate in one direction; means at a second station to cause said support to move at a relatively rapid rate in the opposite direction; means at a third station to cause said support to move in the first direction at a relatively slow rate of speed; a relay circuit adapted when rendered effective to index said function-selecting means to said first station when said final-location switch is open, causing said support to move at a relatively rapid rate until said final-location switch closes; means rendered effective by the closing of said final-location switch for indexing said functionselecting means to said second station for causing said support to move at a relatively rapid rate in the opposite direction until said intermediate location switch closes; and means rendered effective upon the closing of said intermediate-location switch for indexing said functionselecting means to said third station for causing said support to move at a relatively slow rate in said one direction until said final location switch is again closed.

20. In a positioning apparatus for machine tools, a support adapted automatically to be positioned at more than two final locations, one at a time, along a path of travel; a detector comprising a unit for each position at which said support is adapted to be located, each unit including one switch and switch-actuator for determining one of said final locations, and another switch and switch-actuator for determining an intermediate location that bears a fixed relation to said final location, said switches and switchactuators being relatively adjustable throughout 18 the extent of the path of travel of said support; a selector for determining the unit of said detector desired; a function-selecting means adapted to be indexed from station to station; means at three succeeding stations of said function-selecting means for causing said support successively to move at a relatively rapid rate in one direction, thence at a relatively rapid rate in the opposite direction, and finally at a slow rate in the first direction; a relay circuit adapted when rendered effective to double index said functionselecting means to said second station when said final-location switch is closed causing said sup- ;port to move at a relatively rapid rate in a direction toward and until said intermediate switch isflclosed; and means rendered efiective by the closing of said intermediate switch for indexing said function-selecting means'to said third station for causing said support to move in the opposite direction at a relatively slow speed until said final-location switch is closed.

21. 'Apparatus comprising in combination, primary means movable in two directions along a path of travel and adapted automaticall to be positioned at a pre-determined location therealong; secondary means comprising a self-locking switch and switch-actuator relatively adjustable throughout the extent of travel of said primary means for determining said predetermined location; a function-selecting means adapted to be indexed from station to station; means at succeeding stations for causing said primary means to move in opposite directions; and means requiring a non-selective act to initiate it for indexing said function-selecting means to the correct station for initiating the correct direction of motion of said primary means initially to cause it to move in the correct direction toward said pro-determined location.

EDWARD P. BULLARD, III.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Bullard Sept. 16, 1947 Certificate of Correction Patent No. 2,500,796 March 14, 1950 EDWARD P. BULLARD, III I It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows:

Column 9, line 11, for switches 129" read switches 129 and 12.9;

and that the said Letters Patent should be read with this correction therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 25th day of July,;A. D. 1950.

THOMAS F. MURPHY,

Assistant Commissioner of Patents. 

